How do Doctors Test for Swine Flu?

Until the 20th century, swine flu was not a common flu for humans. The swine flu virus was common throughout the pig population. Swine flu rarely passes from human to human. In this article you will learn how doctors test people for the swine flu, which is medically called swine influenza.

Testing for the swine flue may include blood tests or a culture to identify the virus. Some cultures may take up to 48 hours to get the results. A rapid flu test is now available that takes only 30 minutes, although the test is not 100 percent accurate, it can be useful in deciding whether to use an antiviral medicine.

Doctors can diagnose the flu by your symptoms alone if many cases of a similar illness have occurred in the community and if the local health department has confirmed a swine flu outbreak.

Tests to confirm you have the flu and to determine the type of virus may be important if:

• The results may affect the treatment decisions. However, during a confirmed flu outbreak, testing may not be needed even if treatment with an antiviral medicine is being considered.




• In addition to flu-like symptoms, you have any unusual symptoms that suggest another condition.




• Health authorities have not identified any other cases of flu in your area.